Social deficits and interpersonal relationships in autism

In autism, many of the building blocks of interpersonal relationships, such as communication, social cognition, and processing of emotional signals, are impaired. In spite of these deficits, children with autism are able to establish relationships with their parents, siblings, and peers, although these relationships are frequently more limited than those of other children. This paper reviews the literature on the social deficits and interpersonal relationships of autistic individuals, with a focus on the possible impact of the former on the latter. We conclude by suggesting that more information about the effects of social deficits on relationships in autism would expand our view of the disorder and would provide direction for interventions. MRDD Research Reviews 1998;4:65–72.